Adoption Info

If you are interested in adopting, please print and fill out an adoption questionnaire or stop by the shelter to do so. Adoption fees include spaying or neutering, the first series of vaccinations, a heart worm test, internal and external parasite control, plus a free health evaluation with a local participating veterinarian. Your dog also comes with a personalized ID tag, microchip that we will register for you at time of adoption, and the offer of discounted Obedience Classes. We also offer a Behavioral Helpline. Call 207-985-3244 x 131, leave a message, and one of our knowledgeable staff members will call you back. If you are planning to adopt a dog or puppy please bring an appropriate leash and collar or plan to buy one at a minimal charge. Dogs and puppies must leave on a leash.

Adoption Fees:

Puppies 8 weeks to 6 months are $385.00 – $485.00

Dogs 7 months to 11 months are $315.00 – $385.00

Dogs 1 year to 7 1/2 years are $285.00 – $315.00

Dogs 8 years and over are $99.00 – $145.00

Additional Information

Adoptions begin at 11am. However, on days when highly sought-after pets (particularly puppies) first become available, parties may arrive prior to this time and begin forming a line. Interested adopters arriving early can enter through the door labeled “Incoming Animals & Reclaims” after 8 am to inquire about being assigned a number for when visits and adoptions begin at 11 am.

Adoption questionnaires should be completed before interacting with individual animals.

A commitment to a particular pet does not have to be made within the 15-minute time frame, though after 15 minutes, the next in line will have access to available animals, and so on. All adoptions are on a first come, first served.

Please be prepared to wait 15 minutes for every person/family in front of you. Usually applicants have a particular animal in mind before coming to the shelter, which can speed the process. We do our best to keep things moving quickly, and we ask for your patience while those ahead of you make their choices and complete their adoptions.

When you first enter the adoption center, on the wall to the right, you will see a white board. This will give you an idea of where each available dog is in the adoption process.

Big Mac – Adopted 08/24

Big Mac is an active and friendly fellow eager to find a new home. Since being with us we’ve learned that he’s a curious fellow and enjoys chewing on stuffed toys and Nylabones. He’d love to have a couple of walks with his people each day where he can explore the great outdoors.

He’s a smart boy and knows how to “sit,” “down,” and “give paw,” though he would love to learn more skills in an obedience class. He would prefer to be the only pet in a new home where he can shower his people with love and attention. He would love to have people who will be calm and patient with him as he learns and experiences all there is out there. If Big Mac sounds like the one for you, then stop on by AWS to meet him.